Jesse James Harris Jr. fell asleep in death August 16, 2025 after a long battle with several health issues. Jesse was born October 13, 1946 to mother, Edna Mae Dodd and father, Jesse James Harris Sr. in the town of Batesville, Arkansas. The family moved to Des Moines Iowa in 1956. In 1959 at the age of 12 Jesse was baptized alongside his mother as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Jesse graduated from Des Moines North High School in 1964. He drove for Capital City Freight for 2 years where he received his handle, Strawberry. Jesse worked for Meredith Printing for 5 years. Firestone tire and rubber for 4 years. Jesse then moved onto Schwerman Trucking company in 1972, before moving onto Yellow Freight in 1974 and drove over the road until 2002. Jesse retired after working over 30 years in the trucking business. Jesse served Jehovah God faithfully for over 66 years. Jesse was a member of the Blue Springs Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Jesse wholeheartedly assisted with the maintenance and upkeep of the Kingdom Hall.
Jesse’s special gift was his kindhearted words and welcoming fun personality that attracted endless amounts of people, making them feel loved.
Jesse is preceded in death by his parents, Edna Mae and Jesse Sr; and his 1st wife, Kathleen Bush Harris.
Survivors of the home are his wife Susan Harris and son, Troy Harris of Blue Springs, MO; Micah and Lacey Harris of Kansas City, MO; step children, Barbara and Mark Cowden of Kansas City, MO; Frank Hudson of Independence, MO; Matthew and Amy Spencer of Clearwater Florida; sister-in-law, Diana Stumfoll of Trimble MO; grandchildren: Jett, Finley, Sarah, Rachel and Jacob; and 1 great-grandson, Sebastian.
Services will be held August 30, 2025 at 2:00 pm. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witnesses. 901 NW 15th street Blue Springs, MO 64015.
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home Grain Valley, MO 64075 816-847-4441
Kevin Guillory, Jr.
23 Aug 2025To the dear family and friends of Brother Harris,
Please accept my heartfelt condolences. Reading about a life so fully given to Jehovah and to others is deeply moving. Brother Harris lived over six decades as a faithful servant, from his youth at just 12 years old until his final days, showing endurance and devotion that bring honor to Jehovah’s name. Truly, “precious in the eyes of Jehovah is the death of his loyal ones” (Psalm 116:15).
In times of loss, it is natural to feel the heavy weight of grief. Yet Jehovah tenderly assures us that “he is healing the brokenhearted; he is binding up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3). How comforting it is to know that our God sees the pain of each one and draws close to sustain us.
What gives us unshakable hope is Jesus’ promise: “The hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out” (John 5:28, 29). Brother Harris is safe in Jehovah’s memory, and we look forward with joy to the time when Jehovah will awaken him to life again, free from sickness and the limitations of this system.
Until then, may the beautiful memories of his warmth, his kind words, and his steadfast faith bring you comfort. And may the assurance of Jehovah’s unfailing love and the unity of your spiritual family help you find peace as you await the grand reunion that lies ahead.
With love and prayers,
Kevin Guillory, Jr.